ALTRUISM, Jithin P Anto

Altruism

The oxford dictionary of philosophy defines altruism as, "disinterested concern for the welfare of another, as an end in itself."  It is almost an opposite of selfishness. The word altruism was coined by Augustine Comte and adopted it as an antithesis to 'egoism'. Therefore it can be said to be the renunciation of self and whole heartedly giving oneself for the welfare of the other. The modern philosophers who discus morality, consider that altruism is important to morality. It is a traditional virtue in many cultures and a core aspect of various religious traditions.  Though it was unknown in Greek thought as a category, it is thought to be a corner stone of Christian ethics. Altruism is believed to be the best way to end social conflicts, as it is "living for others" rather than for oneself. Altruism made its way into the moral theory when the Christian philosophers added the theological virtues of faith, hope and charity to the cardinal virtues of the Greeks. They always considered charity as the greatest of virtues and it was thought to be an inner spiritual orientation toward others.

Altruism may be regard as a conduct that considers the good of others as the end of moral action. Francis Hutcheson was of the opinion that "everyone is capable of Christian love-calm universal benevolence-that aims at the good of all" and he identified it with altruism. There are other two ways to understand altruism. Philosophers like David Hume characterized altruism in terms of "particular benevolent dispositions, desires, or affections." This view holds that one helps the other because one loves the other. Hume denied that we have the universal love of human kind which Hutcheson and the Christian philosophers appealed, but thought that such 'benevolent dispositions' as parental love and friendship were morally important traits essential for virtue. He also thought that one possesses the capacity to act from sympathy.

In contrast to the views of both Hutcheson and Hume, philosophers in the Kantian tradition think of altruism as a "rational requirement on action." They believe that there no need to postulate a benevolent desire to explain altruism. Kant held that we may act only on principles that can will as universal laws. We know that we need the help of others so willing not to help others would be inconsistent, so we must help others. He is of the opinion that we must treat the needs of others as we treat our own needs. We would want our own needs to be good and worth pursuing, so consistency requires that we treat the needs of the others the same way. This suggests that we have reasons to help not only that in need but anyone we are in a position to help.